The Elfenworks Foundation has endowed the College’s Center for the Study of Fiduciary Capitalism to further its research on institutional investors and corporate governance. In recognition of this generous support, the center’s name will become the Elfenworks Center for the Study of Fiduciary Capitalism.

“I am gratified that the Elfenworks Foundation recognizes the value of studying issues so critical to the future of our global economy,” said Brother President Ronald Gallagher. “In light of their increasing influence, we hope institutional investors come to realize that making socially responsible decisions in corporate governance will bring them long-term profit and sustainability.”

The center, established in August 2002 and co-directed by professors James P. Hawley and Andrew T. Williams of the School of Economics and Business Administration, conducts research into the rise of institutional investors — the dominant owners of equity and debt capital in the United States and abroad.

“The idea here is brilliant and we are excited about shining a spotlight on it,” says Lauren Speeth, the Elfenworks Foundation’s creative director, who earned her MBA at Saint Mary’s in 1989. “When world leadership, both political and corporate, fully understands that bad behavior is bad for the bottom line, then we are more likely to have policies that lead to opportunity, education and peace.”

The Elfenworks Foundation strives to bring attention to issues like domestic poverty.

“This generous gift from the Elfenworks Foundation will permanently endow the work of our center and allow it to expand its activities in significant directions,” Hawley said.